Lance Stephenson: LeBron James trash talk is a ‘sign of weakness’

Stephenson said James trash talk during the Heat’s Game 3 conference finals victory was a sign of weakness.

“To me, it’s a sign of weakness,” Stephenson said Sunday, via ESPN.com. “[People] used to say that to me. I’m going to do something to get you mad. Now he’s trying to do it to me. I feel like there’s a weakness and I feel like I’m doing something right to get underneath his skin.”

James engaged with Stephenson throughout the first half of the Heat’s 99-87 win.

“I’m not much of a talker but I can,” James said. “I don’t ever start it but I can get involved in it and still keep my head. Winning the game is more important. I understand what the main goal is.”

Stephenson is averaging 17.3 points and 6.7 assists in the three games against the Heat.

“I’ll never back down,” Stephenson said. “He’s the best player in the league. I will refuse to back down to him.”

James is averaging 24.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and six assists in the East finals. The Heat are up 2-1 in the best-of-7-series with Game 4 on Monday night in Miami.